Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
( www.fortesaojoao.pt ; Av Brasil; Jul-Sep) The best party spot in Vila do Conde. Think mighty,
seasonal blinged-out electronica throwdowns with international DJs, Bedouin tents, spin-
ning disco balls and up to 2000 people spilling onto the windswept sands and dancing on
the ancient fortress walls. Parties last until 6am. Make arrangements in advance to get on
the door list.
Information
The friendly Vila do Conde turismo ( 252 248 473; www.cm-viladoconde.pt ; Rua 25 de Abril 103;
9am-7pm Mon-Fri, 9.30am-1pm & 2.30-6pm Sat & Sun) has maps and some nice examples of local
lace, but the staff do not speak much English.
Getting There & Away
Vila do Conde is 33km from Porto, and is a straight shot on the IC1 Hwy. It's served by
Porto's Linha B (red) metro line to Póvoa de Varzim, stopping about 400m from the town
centre. A one-way trip from central Porto costs €2.30 and takes about an hour - the trip is
a little faster if you catch the express service.
Buses stop on Rua 5 de Outubro, near the turismo . AV Minho express buses stop
hourly (fewer on weekends) en route to Porto (€3, 50 minutes) and Viana do Castelo (€4,
one hour).
TOP OF CHAPTER
Amarante
POP 11,260
Handsomely set on a bend in the Rio Tâmega, the sleepy village of Amarante is domin-
ated by a striking church and monastery, which sit theatrically beside a rebuilt medieval
bridge that still bears city traffic. The willow-lined riverbanks lend a pastoral charm, as do
the balconied houses and switchback lanes that rise quickly from the narrow valley floor.
The town enjoys some small degree of fame for being the hometown of São Gonçalo.
Portugal's St Valentine, he is the target for lonely hearts who make pilgrimages here in the
hope of finding true love. Surrounded by prized vineyards, Amarante is also something of
a foodie mecca. As well as wine, the region produces excellent cheeses, smoked meats
(fumeiros) and rich eggy pastries.
 
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